We’re building a huge chorus of 250 people from our local community to sing with the LSO and Associate Artist André J Thomas as part of our Symphonic Gospel: A Gospel Christmas concert on 6 December 2026 on the Barbican stage.
Whether you’re already an enthusiastic singer, or have always wanted to give singing a go, you’re invited to take part. You don’t need any prior experience of singing, and you don’t need to be able to read music. We’ll be providing a range of learning materials, suitable for all abilities, to help you get to know the pieces that will be performed.
The project is open to over-18s from the Greater London area. Individuals, amateur choirs and singing groups are all welcome to register.
Read on for more information, and apply by 5pm BST on Friday 17 July using the sign-up form.
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals take place at LSO St Luke’s, from 6.30–8.30pm, unless otherwise stated.
Thursday 1 October
Thursday 8 October
Thursday 15 October
Thursday 22 October
Thursday 29 October
Thursday 5 November
Saturday 7 November 10am–5pm, LSO St Luke’s
Thursday 12 November
Thursday 19 November
Thursday 26 November
Monday 30 November 6.30–9.30pm, LSO St Luke’s
Wednesday 2 December 6.30–9.30pm, LSO St Luke’s
Saturday 5 December 10am–1pm, Barbican
Sunday 6 December 2.30pm–5.30pm, Barbican
Sunday 6 December 7pm, Concert at the Barbican
We ask you can make 7/9 of the stated rehearsals. If you cannot make this commitment, please consider carefully before applying for the project. The rehearsals in bold are compulsory. If you cannot make these, please consider carefully before applying for the project.
Your place in the project will be confirmed by Friday 7 August.
It’s a huge thrill to perform on the Barbican Hall stage with one of the greatest orchestras in the world – not many people can say they’ve done that! If you’ve never sung gospel before, you’ll learn new skills; and even if you have, you’re guaranteed new friends and musical sunshine through the autumn.
Robin, Community Voices Member
About the Concert
In a fusion of sound and spirit, the London Symphony Orchestra and a choir of voices from across the London community join forces to celebrate the power of gospel music, with a programme designed to kick off the festive season. Expect uplifting, roof-raising new choral and orchestral arrangements of gospel classics from across the decades.
The concert is curated and conducted by choral and gospel singing expert André J Thomas, a passionate advocate for gospel music. ‘Gospel music does not apologise,’ he says. ‘It comes straight out, fiery and quick. It’s like lighting a firecracker – you start with a sizzle and that’s it. I hope that people will leave feeling uplifted. I want people to feel better than they did when they walked through the door.’
